Effectiveness of music-based interventions in acute care settings for people living with dementia to reduce anxiety and enhance the care experience: A systematic review

Introduction: Dementia is a global health priority, with an increasing percentage of overall hospital bed days occupied by people with dementia (PWD). This combined with increased demand and availability of complex scanning means that there is a need for all pathways including diagnostic imaging to consider interventions to improve patient experience and outcomes.

Objectives: Assess the effectiveness of music-based interventions designed to lower anxiety, improve wellbeing and allow better management and care of PWD in an acute hospital setting.

Methods: A systematic search of seven databases was conducted in May 2024, following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant reviews and articles were also examined for additional sources.

Results: Fifteen studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review, which included a total of 581 people with dementia. The studies were of varying design, some with very small sample sizes. Quality of the studies varied, but overall were of moderate to good quality. However, only three studies were RCT and only one of these blinded to the intervention. Overall eleven of the included articles reported a reduction in behavioural and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, with one RCT reporting a significant reduction.

Conclusion: While this review supports the effectiveness of music-based interventions to lower anxiety of people with dementia in acute care it also highlights the need for more robust, high quality trials in a challenging environment. Research should establish the best interventions to enhance the care experience of people living with dementia that can be easily incorporated into acute care settings.